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On Monday, April 10, the body of Brant Larry Wise was found near his boat, the Veronica, in the Outer Banks’ Pirates Cove Marina channel after he’d been missing for three days. Wise was the Founder of the Surfrider Foundation’s Outer Banks chapter in the 80’s, and was widely recognized as one of the leading activist and organizers of the foundation’s presence on the East Coast.
He was last seen on Friday, April 7, before local police started the weekend-long search, eventually finding his body with the help of another fisherman’s boat equipped to scan the bottom of the water.
The following is Brant’s obituary, passed on by members of the local surf community and fellow activists who are already missing their friend:
Brant was born January 17, 1966, in Norfolk, Virginia, and grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia. He attended Great Bridge High School where he made many lifelong friends. In the mid-80s, Brant moved to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and began to establish himself firmly as a true “local.” As was his way, Brant made friendships in those early years that carried on throughout his too short life.
Brant was a surveyor, a builder, and an entrepreneur, with projects in Virginia, Elizabeth City and on the Outer Banks. But it was the title of Captain that brought him the most joy. He delighted in the camaraderie of the Outer Banks fishing community, and it was on the open water that Brant felt at peace. He and his beloved wife, Edith spent many splendid days sportfishing together and shared that adventure with family, friends, and business associates. His proudest achievement, finally, was his family, whom he considered the best part of himself.
Brant was predeceased by his loving and beloved mother, Betty Poole Wise. He is survived by his adoring wife, Edith Veronica Wise of Southern Shores, NC; his children, Dewey Weber and Winborne Wise of Kill Devil Hills, NC; and his step-children, Winston and Elliot Rowe of Southern Shores, NC. Also surviving is his father, Larry Wise (wife Barbara) of Chesapeake, VA; brother, Ed Wise (wife Anne) of Atlanta, GA; father and mother-in-law, John T. and Patricia A. Rawls of Kill Devil Hills, NC; birth-mother, Kathryn Mueller and sister, Michele Vandelinde of Richmond, VA; his trusted friend and business partner, Desiree Matlack; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law.
Editor’s Note: A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, April 17, 2017 at The Pavilion at Pirate’s Cove Marina.
Donations in Brant’s memory may be made to the Surfrider Foundation Outer Banks Chapter, PO Box 1576, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948, online at www.outerbanks.surfrider.org.
